City closes eroded fishing pier; repairs planned

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

City of San Benito

City of San Benito

A fishing pier located at the south end of the resaca has been closed off by the City of San Benito due to erosion.

“There was some erosion on there, and (Mike) Canales, the Parks Director, is contacting contractors to get us an estimate to go out there and get a permanent fix,” said Assistant City Manager Hector Jalomo. “We’re going to solicit proposals and see who gives us a better price. It’s hard because of the water. There is a lot of irrigation. They pump a lot of water into the resaca. As far as controlling erosion, it’s very difficult.”

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2013/07/05/city-closes-eroded-fishing-pier-repairs-planned/

7 comments

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    • Saw Says on September 11, 2013 at 9:48 am
    • Reply

    The area where the trail is located doesn’t help matters at all. Those that fish leave bait and fish in the grass that only produces unpleasant odors. It also lures stray cats and dogs. The city animal control department is a joke. 7 out of 10 times they don’t answer the phone and when they do, by the time they show up it is pointless. Walkers, runners, visitors to the trail should feel safe and comfortable. I’m not so sure they do.The city should put in place a smoking ban. Many visitors walk or run or bike at the trail. Smoking in the area (smoke) doesn’t help. The trail itself is busting at the seams. It needs to fixed (addressed). Tree branches need to be cut (hanging too low for those passing through). Lighting is very bad and what is in place is insufficient. SBPD patrol doesn’t exist in the area. What is the point of having a trail to go to if those going to it do not feel safe and police aren’t around to instill safety. Is there a minor curfew in San Benito? If so, what is it? Many minors are seen wondering around doing who knows what past 9pm, 10pm, 11pm at the trail. I am not surprised at the amount of graffiti on benches, trash cans, and other places located along the trail. Missing basketball parts – not surprised. The park, trail is named after Mr. Heavin, who had a vision to help this community and city. He left it in the hands of the city and the city has put it to shame. I could go on and on. The trail is one of the few bright spots of this town, and new bright spots at that. What a shame to see the candle flickering. God willing the city will do something, will do more, to keep it from going out. Whatever it is that they are doing now, is clearly not enough.

      • WeThePeople on September 11, 2013 at 1:56 pm
      • Reply

      The City, CDBG and EDC conspired to put up a ‘splash park’ when they can’t even maintain parks they already have. The amount of money squandered on the old swimming pool was outrageous! I am sure some of it went into someones pocket. How many parks directors have we had in the last 5 years?? Does that give anyone a HINT??
      Was there a public hearing on spending money for the ‘splash park’ or if citizens even wanted one?? NO. All of this was a contrived scheme by ONE member of a city committee that probably knows someone who does splash parks…all so they can get a kickback.
      PAY ATTENTION people!!

    • Pepe Roni on September 10, 2013 at 4:36 pm
    • Reply

    Why is the south end of the resaca ignored when it comes to maintenance, repair, and basic upkeep?

    Let’s face it and get real about it. If the following pics were from the north end of the resaca, they would be addressed and fixed immediately without delay. But since we are dealing with the south end; we have not heard a peep from the folks at the city Commission or city hall!

    The fishing pier was closed to the public the first week of July because of safety reasons and yet people are still fishing from it and kids are using it as a playground. Is it going to take a tragic accident before the city does something to repair, tear it down, or completely secure it?

    Unlike the north end of the resaca, the grass on the south end of the resaca bank has not been cut in two months. Go to the north end and compare for yourself.

    The basketball poles were installed at the old Amigos Del Valle location more than six months ago and that was it. Believe it or not kids in the south end of the resaca also like to play basketball but must now walk to the north end and wait for a court to open up. Come on people, don’t start something and then just make up excuses for not completing it.

    We are not asking for “special treatment” like a water fountain, splash pad, Christmas lights or tree, or an amphitheater, just your every day “equal {tax payer} treatment”
    The mayor says he represents the entire city but he seems to be more concerned about the north end of the resaca.

    The ball’s in your court now! By the way, these pics were taken on August 15th, way before the rain arrived.

    • WeThePeople on July 25, 2013 at 12:07 pm
    • Reply

    Plenty of money for City administration. No money for the people. What’s wrong with this picture?

    • joevette on July 23, 2013 at 3:35 am
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    They are never going to fix the pier at the same place the old amigos del valle concrete slab the put up two basketball poles but no backboard or rim for three months nothing I guess the kids will have to pretend its a basketball court .

    1. I inquired about this specific topic last week. I was informed that they need to install fences around the court to prevent the balls from rolling into the streets!

      It is a safety issue! How long will It take for the fence to be erected? That is a different question! I will follow-up in another week.because I want to use it too. The other basketball court is always crowded.

      Regarding the fishing pier, I was informed the city is going out for bids to repair the fishing pier!

    • Denny Crane, Jr. on July 8, 2013 at 2:43 pm
    • Reply

    The mayor and the parks board were informed in 2011 by the former parks director A. Milligan regarding the unsafe condition of this particular pier. She predicted exactly what is happening now. The response to her, “there is no money in the budget”.

    However, they always seem to find money to spend on the north end of the resaca for more lighting, electric signs, better landscape, etc, etc, etc.

    This is the result of re-electing the same individuals over and over. Now the EDC is on a spending spree spending taxpayer money it can’t afford and going over budget.

    Wake up San Benito, you are about to be taken to the cleaners by the City and the School Board (two superintendents on the payroll at the same time).

    But do not despair, the city has it’s priorities and you will soon have a “FLAG” to display.

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